The Oral Health Quality of Life for Seniors in Residential Facilities who Have Direct Access to Care as Compared to Those Without Access

Abstract

Introduction: Many residents of senior residential facilities face obstacles to good oral health as most are medically compromised and cannot provide adequate self-care. Consequently, the oral health status of this population is generally poor and has a negative impact on quality of life. The purpose of this study was to test whether there is a perceived difference in oral health and comfort when residents in long-term care facilities receive direct access to a dental cleaning compared to facilities who brush and floss only. Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the Oral Health Impact Profile-5(OHIP-5) between treatment and control groups in senior long term care facilities. Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental. The study took place in two senior residential facilities in Sheridan, Wyoming. Fifteen residents from each facility comprised the study sample (n=30). The treatment group received a dental cleaning and oral hygiene education and the control group received brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene education. There were two interventions, two months apart. A pre/test was conducted using the 5 question Oral Health Impact Profile, shortened version. Post test was conducted one month after the last intervention. Results: Fifteen residents from the treatment facility and the control facility comprised the study sample (n=30). The treatment group was comprised of 13% male subjects and 87% female subjects with an average age of 85. The control group had 40% male subjects and 60% female subjects with and average age of 76. The percent of subjects who do not receive regular dental care at a private dentist was 53% of the treatment group and 40% of the control group. Active caries and chronic periodontitis were also present in both groups; caries were detected in 67% of the subjects in the control group and 87% in the treatment group. Results revealed a significant difference in pre/post OHIP-5 scores in the treatment group (p=0.0222). The control group had improved scores but it was not significant (p=0.5331). The significant univariate association was between caries and OHIP-5 scores (p=0.0082). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant difference in the perception of oral health quality of life when seniors received a dental cleaning where they reside. Findings support existing knowledge and evidence that oral health services improve the functional status and quality of life of senior adults living in long-term care facilities.